Australia’s Most Decorated Soldier Ben Roberts-Smith Charged with Murder of Unarmed Civilians in Afghanistan
April 9, 2026
Ben Roberts-Smith, once the golden boy of the Australian Defence Force and a Victoria Cross recipient, has been arrested at Sydney Airport. He now faces five counts of murder related to the alleged execution of unarmed civilians during his deployment in Afghanistan.
The Three Key Incidents:
– Darwan (September 11, 2012): This is the most infamous allegation. It is alleged that Roberts-Smith kicked a handcuffed Afghan villager named Ali Jan off a steep 10-meter cliff. While the man survived the fall, he was badly injured; Roberts-Smith then reportedly ordered a subordinate soldier to shoot the man dead.
– Syahchow (October 20, 2012): Roberts-Smith is charged with the murder of two people during this mission. The prosecution alleges he either personally executed the detainees or ordered his subordinates to do so.
– Kakarak (April 12, 2009): The charges involve the intentional murder of two Afghan nationals. Like the other incidents, the victims were allegedly unlawful killings of people who were not participating in any hostilities.
From the highest military honors to the prospect of life behind bars.
WAR HERO TO WAR CRIMINAL. Share the truth.
Courtesy of @aljazeeraenglish
#BenRobertsSmith #Australia #warcrimes #fyp #breakingnews
English Script:
Australia’s most decorated soldier has been arrested over war crimes in Afghanistan. Police released this blurred video of the arrest of Ben Roberts-Smith, at a Sydney airport.
Krissy Barret: It will be alleged the man was a member of the ADF when he was involved in the deaths of Afghan nationals between 2009 and 2012. In circumstances that constitute war crimes under the Commonwealth Criminal Code. The offense of war crime murder carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. It will be alleged the victims were not taking part in hostilities at the time of their alleged murder in Afghanistan.
Robert-Smith will face five charges of murdering civilians in Afghanistan while on deployment. Once hailed a national hero and awarded the Victoria Cross for his six tours in Afghanistan from 2006 to 2012. Robert-Smith now faces potential life imprisonment on each charge.
Krissy Barret:The alleged conduct related to these charges is confined to a very small section of our trusted and respected ADF, which helps keep this country safe. The overwhelming majority of our ADF do our country proud. Today’s charges are not reflective of the majority members who serve under our Australian flag with honor, with distinction, and with the values of a democratic nation.
